#NewYear2 Alcohol abuse, Obesity & Smoking

Friday, 1 January 2016

#NewYear2 Alcohol abuse, Obesity & Smoking

This is the time of year that some people try to change their lifestyles. I have written this blog to try and help my fellow man and woman.

Not pulling punches -

If you drink too much alcohol over a sustained period amongst other things there is the real possibility of liver damage - Cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver does not function properly due to long-term damage. Typically, the disease comes on slowly over months or years. Early on, there are often no symptoms. As the disease worsens, a person may become tired, weak, itchy, have swelling in the lower legs, develop yellow skin, bruise easily, have fluid build up in the abdomen, or develop spider-like blood vessels on the skin. The fluid build-up in the abdomen may become spontaneously infected. Other complications include hepatic encephalopathy, bleeding from dilated veins in the esophagus or dilated stomach veins, and liver cancer. Hepatic encephalopathy results in confusion and possibly unconsciousness.

If you are long term obese it is likely that you will not have a full life. Amongst other things there is a very high chance you will develop type 2 diabetes. With type 2 diabetes comes many potential health risks including Diabetic Retinopathy - a common complication of diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the cells at the back of the eye (retina).

If you are a smoker compare life insurance premiums with some one of the same age and gender who is a non smoker. You will find the premium you will have to pay will be at least 5 times larger. Why - stating the obvious - through smoking you are much more likely to have serious illness or early death.

Look at the links below. They might reinforce your resolve - they should do!

LINK IF YOU DRINK TOO MUCH

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/Effectsofalcohol.aspx